Irregularities in RC Buildings: Perspectives in Current Seismic Design Codes, Difficulties in Their Application and Further Research Needs

Abstract

AbstractThe existing building stock is characterized by multiple buildings structures with regular or irregular architectural configurations. Modern architecture is becoming more demanding for structural engineering. Even though not in agreement with the current design code recommendations, irregular structures are even more common. On the other perspective, the structural design solutions are somehow responsible for structural stiffness irregularities such as in-plan or in-height. Abrupt variations of stiffness, strength, mass and/or other elements properties in one building, such as plan or in elevation, can result in horizontal loading distributions and deformations much different from those usually in regular structures. This research aims to provide a profound overview of the damages observed in recent earthquakes due to reinforced concrete buildings irregularities. The most common damages will be collected and discussed by comparing them with the code recommendations. After that, the results of numerical simulations carried out to assess the impact of the different disposition of the infill walls on a reinforced concrete structure's seismic behaviour will be presented. The vertical irregularity due to the infills’ location, along with the building envelope, will be discussed. To finish, a critical review of the Eurocode 8 recommendations with practical applications/examples are presented.